SSFUSD Sets Forth Resolution 17-01 Principles In Support Of Undocumented Students & Families

RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees of the South San Francisco Unified School District (District), in the County of San Mateo, State of California, that

WHEREAS, the District is committed to fostering an environment in which all students are able to learn and excel, whatever their national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, gender, or socio-economic status; and

WHEREAS, education is essential to all individuals’ ability to advance and thrive in our society and the United States Supreme Court has held, in Plyler v. Doe, 457

U.S. 202 (1982), that local school districts have a constitutional mandate to educate all students residing within their jurisdictional boundaries, whatever the students’ immigration status; and

WHEREAS, the District welcomes and supports all of its students, regardless of their immigration status; and

WHEREAS, in light of recent developments and rhetoric throughout the course of the recent national elections, many of the District’s students and families have expressed fear and concern, owing to their immigration status; and

WHEREAS, the District seeks to make clear its commitments to support all of its students and families, including those who are undocumented.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the District will not collect information regarding students’ and families’ immigration status when enrolling students in the District.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that when the District or any of the District’s school sites receives a request for information that implicates individual privacy rights (including with respect to immigration status and religion), the District shall take all legally permissible actions to protect the privacy rights of its students and families.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in particular, the District will not release information regarding immigration status or related matters contained in pupil records to federal agencies or other authorities enforcing immigration laws without the permission of the student’s parent or guardian or pursuant to a judicial warrant, subpoena, court order, or as otherwise required by law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the District will work closely with other local government agencies and community groups to ensure that all students and families, including those that are undocumented, are able to receive education in a safe and supportive environment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a federal effort to create a registry based on any protected characteristic, including national origin or religion, would be antithetical to the United States and California constitutions and the values of the District and if authorities seek to involve the District in the development of such a registry, the District will take all legally appropriate steps to resist such involvement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent is directed to work with District staff and counsel to develop policies and procedures implementing and advancing these principles.